Nutrition Sciences at University of Northern Colorado

University of Northern Colorado's nutrition sciences graduates earn nearly $9,000 more than the national median for this field—an impressive 95th percentile ranking that puts them ahead of nearly every comparable program in the country. With first-year earnings of $39,258 and manageable debt around $25,346 (a 0.65 ratio), this program delivers stronger financial outcomes than typical nutrition programs. However, the small sample size here matters: with fewer than 30 graduates tracked, these figures could shift significantly with just a few data points.

The state-level picture adds nuance. While this program outperforms nationally, it sits at the 60th percentile among Colorado's three nutrition programs—roughly on par with Metro State Denver and ahead of CSU-Fort Collins. For a field where many graduates pursue additional credentials or certifications, the modest 3% earnings growth over four years is fairly typical, though it suggests early career earnings may represent a baseline rather than rapid advancement.

For families comfortable with some data uncertainty, this looks like a solid choice: better debt levels than most nutrition programs and substantially higher starting salaries. Just recognize that the small graduate cohort means individual circumstances heavily influence these averages. If your student is committed to nutrition science, UNC appears to set them up well—but verify current program structure and graduate outcomes directly with the department.